‘iPhone could go to all five networks’

All five networks could secure rights to the iPhone by next summer, sources have claimed.

Orange is expected to start selling the device by mid-November this year, while Vodafone will distribute the device from early 2010.

T-Mobile and 3 are expected to announce deals with Apple to sell the sought-after smartphone soon, with 3 likely to be the last operator to start distribution next summer.

It is thought Apple is staggering distribution across the networks to ensure demand does not outstrip supply. It is also believed that the iPhone may be sold in Phones 4u, as well as its incumbent Carphone Warehouse.